In memoriam: Eugene Blabey II

Eugene "Gene" Blabey II, one of the first individuals to be inducted into the Short Line Railroad Industry Hall of Fame, died Sept. 2.

Blabey was inducted in 2021, following 50 years of involvement with short lines, according to an American Short Line and Regional Railroads Association statement.

"Gene was a legend in our industry and a leading voice on short line matters," said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker. "We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues."

Blabey combined a career in journalism with his interest in short-line railroads. He retired in 1987 as United Press International’s (UPI) vice president and general manager for Europe, according to his bio on the association's Hall of Fame website.

He became intrigued with short lines as a young UPI reporter when he wrote about a community’s effort to preserve railroad service; he later followed up with an account of how that effort led to the formation of the Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad (LAL). Blabey joined the LAL's board, later serving as treasurer, executive vice president and chairman.

In the 1970s, he joined two colleagues to form the Maryland & Delaware Railroad (MDDE) and the Virginia & Maryland Railroad (V&M), operating light density lines on the Delmarva peninsula. Later, he joined the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad's board, the V&M’s successor. In 2001, Blabey raised the capital to form Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, where he then served as chairman and managing partner.

He also served ASLRRA as a board member representing the Eastern Region, on the Passenger and Legislative Policy committees and the Railroad Industry Working Group.

Blabey is survived by Shirley, his wife of 59 years; son Eugene (Annie); daughter Nancy (Chris); and four grandchildren.